OUR SOLDIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 156, 13 July 1901, Page 2

OUR SOLDIERS.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME HOME. SPEECH BY LORD RANFURLY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Invercargill, last night.

A brilliant sunshine after a sharp frost made the Invercargill decorations look gay as the troopers’ train steamed in at 11.30, their arrival being the signal for rounds of cheers from the very largo gathering of people. The c ntingents having been formed up outside of the station whore a stand had be . erected, the Rev. Luxford offered up prayer, and the Yen. Archdeacon lloeker, addressing the men, said that they would never realise the anxiety that had been folfc for them until they sent their own sons on a similar mission.

After the singing of " Tnc Old Hundredth," Lord Ranfurly, who was receive.! with cheers, said it had been his painful duty on many occasions to bid farewell to the'youth and ffower of the colony when starting at the hour of strain on the Empire's resources fur the seat of war. To-day he had the extreme pleasure of welcoming hack those in front of him, having fulfilled the task allotted to them with credit to themselves and the colony. The assistance given to the Mother country would make a chapter in the history of the Empire, which would have a lasting influence. It had been shown that the spirit of our ancestors existed in us, and Great Britain alone had not to ho reckoned with but their sons in Greater Britain would stand shoulder to shoulder with her. No conscription nor pressing was required, for at the trumpet call the colonics had shown that they would spring forward in far larger numbers than they were needed. New Zealand was proud of the way her sons had conducted themselves; and of their names appearing in despatches. He regretted that all were not here who left our shores. Some had been taken, hut their memories would ever be green in the annals of the colony as brave men who had given up their lives for their Sovereign and the honor of their country. For himself, personally, and in the name of the people of New Zealand, he heartily welcomed them home. (Cheers.) Mayor Longuct extended a heartfelt welcome to the men on behalf of tho

citizens. The Hon. C. 11. Mills said it was a fact

to be proud of that the colonials had proved themselves soldiers both in word and deed. There could ho no doubt that later on the experience would bo of tho greatest assistance in the councils of tho nation, and that those who lmd ventured forth would show themselves to be thor-

ough good citizens. He apologised for the absence of tho Premier and Sir J. G. Ward, and on behalf of Ministry, Parliament, and the colony extended a very hearty welcome. Three cheers for the Governor and the contingents having been given, the contingents and volunteer corps, together with the Garrison, City, Pipe, and District Bands, marched along the streets to Zea--1,-india Hall, where luncheon was in readiness. The principal toast was “ Tho Fourth and Fifth Contingents,” proposed by Mr Hanan, M. L1.1t., nml responded to by Colonel Davis. During the afternoon the troops wont to the Queen’s Park, where Ilis Excellency distributed medals, and witnessed the parade and inarch past. A programme of sports and military items was got oil, and the troopers were afterwards taken off by their hostesses to tea. In the evening a conversazione was hold, and a torchlight procession passed through tho principal streets. Tho centre of the town presented a brilliant show, many business places being decorated and illuminated. Tho railway station made a fine display, an electric light plant being imported for tho purpose. With few exceptions, the returned troopers looked very tit.

NORTHERNERS TO LEAVE TORT CHALMERS ON SUNDAY.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Dunedin, last night,

It lias been decided that the Tagus, with the Canterbury and North Island contingents, is to leave Port Chalmers on Sunday morning. The men will be entertained at a social to-morrow evening, and the Northerners will then be conveyed to the Port, leaving on the following day.

The most serious eases of illness, with the exception of Bell and Nicholas, who arc too ill to be removed, have been taken from Tagus, and are under the supervision of Brigade - Surgeon Colonel DeLautour. They have been placed in private hospitals, where everything will he done for them. Ho has also made arrangements for further cases. The two mentioned as left on board are under the charge of Surgeon Captain Watt and nursing sisters DeMontmorcncy and Frankland, whose untiring skill and kindness cannot be too highly, praised.